MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop D Headquarters - 3131 East Kearney - Springfield, MO 65803


NEWS ALERT

For further information please contact: Sgt. D.S. Bracker
417-895-6767 ext.253
D2010-19
September 8, 2010

EMPHASIS: Labor Day Enforcement Results For Troop D.

Captain Juan Villanueva, commanding officer, Troop D, Springfield, announces the Labor Day weekend traffic crash and DWI enforcement totals for the Troop D area. During the holiday weekend, troopers participated in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) and the “10-Mile Trooper” project. The 2010 Labor Day weekend traffic crash counting period began at 6 p.m., Friday, September 3, 2010, and ended at 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 6, 2010. Troop D officers investigated 44 traffic crashes. There were four fatalities and 22 people injured in these crashes. In all four of Troop D’s fatality crashes seat belts were not worn. In addition, Troop D officers made 29 DWI arrests.

Statewide, fatalities were reduced from eight last year to seven in 2010. The four fatalities in the 18-county Troop D region was an increase of three from 2009. Captain Villanueva was pleased with the increased DWI arrests, but regrets the four fatalities that occurred in the troop area. Captain Villanueva stated, “If drivers will slow down, wear their seat belts, pay attention to the job of driving, and not drive while impaired, then traffic crashes and fatalities would be reduced significantly.”